Extra 2 million people to squeeze in between Noosa and Tweed

THE population of the narrow strip between Noosa and the Gold Coast - South East Queensland's "200km city" - will swell by 2.2 million to 5.5 million in 30 years.

This growth has forced the Queensland Government to issue a draft study to be released early 2016 to give early ideas of where future residential growth will have to occur, a spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning said.

"The region is facing considerable growth over the next 30 years which may see its population rise from 3.3 million people to 5.5 million people - a significant challenge that will require both infill development, and new and well-located greenfield development to accommodate this growth," the spokesman said.

"The Queensland government is currently working with local governments, non-government organisations and industry to determine how and where this growth will be accommodated prior to releasing a draft plan in early 2016 when the community will be asked for their views on how SEQ should grow."